Tag Archives: electro-optics conferences

What Major Innovations in Photonics and Electro-Optics Mean for ICALEO®

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As any laser professional or enthusiast knows that the scope of Photonics and Electro-Optics is constantly changing. Crossing over into other industries and bringing in a tide of innovation in their wake; the use of this technology is altering the way we practice medicine, enjoy entertainment, create parts and goods, and explore our world. Conferences like ICALEO® and others do their part to not only educate, but create a dialogue around innovation.

Companies and Researchers alike are accomplishing great things.

SPI Lasers recently developed fiber lasers that are able to produce high-quality welds between dissimilar metals. For those who use lasers for manufacturing, this is a particularly interesting development. Typically, dissimilar metals, such as copper and aluminum, pose a few challenges when a weld is attempted. The two metals react differently at different temperatures. So where one metal would begin to soften under heat, the other may become brittle and unusable. Fiber lasers reduce the heat input and area affected by heat. The laser developed by SPI Lasers, redENERGY 70 W EP-Z is able to create three spot welds in about one second. Fast? Effective? Innovative? This development from SPI Lasers can check all three off the list.

Photo Credit: SPI Lasers

Worth noting: SPI Lasers will be in attendance at ICALEO® 2016, with a number of other key players innovating and disrupting photonics and electro-optics as we know it.

ICALEO® has established a reputation for being “the conference where researchers and end users meet to review the state-of-the-art in laser processing.”

One particularly interesting innovation coming out of the news recently is the idea of using inkjet printersto print “multi-layer graphene circuits” on laser-treated graphene paper. We’ve talked about inkjet printing, using lasers on Lasers Today in the past. The development is in the use of laser treating for graphene; printing tiny electronics was do-able, but researchers needed to find a way to improve conductivity and performance. Researchers at Iowa State University saw these challenges and implemented the use of a pulsed layer laser on the electrodes. In doing so, the future of printable electronics has a much brighter potential for mass-use!

While this is just a micro-glimpse into the current climate of photonics and electro-optics, it is strikingly clear that the fields are drastically shifting and evolving daily. Conferences like ICALEO® help foster the growth around these fields, increasing awareness, encouraging discussion, and emphasizing education for laser and photonics professionals. With just a handful of weeks before the 35th iteration of the conference, one can only imagine what developments and innovations could shake the foundations of what we know, between then and now.

Don’t delay! The 35th ICALEO® will take place October 16–20 in San Diego, CA. Registration spots are still available but are running out fast. Register here today. Already registered? Be sure to check out our “What to See and Do in San Diego” post, available on Lasers Today, for tips on what to check out when it town for ICALEO®. 

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the international society for laser applications and safety. Our mission is to foster lasers, laser applications, and laser safety worldwide. Visit us at www.lia.org

Three Companies Illustrating the Importance of Electro-Optics and Photonics

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Electro-optic and photonic technology is expanding and evolving at a rapid rate. Disrupting established norms, innovating processes, and making new contributions to society every day, these growing fields are changing the way we see the world as we know it.

LasersToday.com – bringing you the latest Laser Innovators.

As a supporter of laser applications and practices, LIA acknowledges and celebrates these accomplishments in our newly launched Lasers Today Laser Innovators Series. In no particular order, here are three of the many companies doing their part to further the importance of electro-optics and photonics.

From life-saving bioimaging, to creating the most immersive parts of our favorite theme park rides, these notable advancements will inevitably impact some corner of each of our lives:

IPG Photonics Fiber Laser Used in Projector Prototype

Earlier this year, a fiber light laser, developed by IPG Photonics, was used in a prototype 4K RGB laser projector. This projector, made by NEC Display Solutions of America, is designed for large theater screens. According to Businesswire, NC3540LS (the prototype) can be stacked into a two-projector setup, becoming one of the brightest projector options available, at 70,000 lumens. The projector was demonstrated at CinemaCon, this past April.

Credit: Spectra-Physics

Spectra-Physics Debuts Three Photon Imaging Ultrafast Laser Source

This year, Spectra Physics debuted Spirit-NOPA-IR, a three-photon imaging ultrafast laser source. With a peak power of > 10 MW, imaging of live tissue “results in exceptional clarity,” according to the company. This new imaging source is intended for neuroscience and other bio-imaging and expands on the company’s previous developments in bioimaging.

Credit: Jenoptik

Jenoptik Builds Theater Dome to Test Laser Projection Lenses

Photonics and electro-optics are becoming a focal point for cinemas and amusement parks, as they put a greater focus on projection technology. Jenoptik, anticipating future and current needs, recently completed a theater dome designed to test laser projection lenses. The theater hosts a screen 24 feet in diameter, elevated five feet in the air, as well as a 30 by 16 foot flat screen for digital cinema testing. Jenoptik has created a number of large-scale stage and movie projectors for 3D theaters, dark rides, and simulators. This development shows no sign of that trend coming to an end.

Electro-optics and photonics are creating a significant impact on a wide array of disciplines and industries. Outside of manufacturing and research applications, these companies are not only participating in innovative development, they are consistently changing the way laser and photonic applications are viewed in the world.

Want to learn more about these companies and other industry trailblazers? These and more will be in attendance at ICALEO taking place October 16-20 in San Diego, CA. With a 34 year history of uniting researchers and laser end users, you do not want to miss this year’s event. Click to Register today!

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The Top Five Things to See and Do at ICALEO 2016

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These five engaging events will take place at this year’s ICALEO conference, held from October 16-20 at the Sheraton San Diego in San Diego, California.

This year’s International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro-Optics (ICALEO®) in San Diego, California is content-packed and better than ever. Held this year from October 16-20 at the Sheraton San Diego, laser professionals and curious tech connoisseurs from around the world will engage on the West Coast in an environment where professionals are able to participate and share in striking conversations and revelations about the latest and most popular developments within laser research.

If you attended the 34th annual ICALEO last year at the Sheraton Hotel in Atlanta, you can attest to more than 400 attendees from over 22 different countries who took part in various event segments and networking with like-minded scientists, engineers, and researchers, all while openly discussing the latest findings in laser research and developments within multifarious fields.

From keynote speaker Dr. Ellen Townes-Anderson’s research of laser tweezers, to more than 200 presentations and posters covering findings in photonics and laser technology, the 2016 ICALEO builds off of last year’s momentum, celebrates 35 years of laser innovation, and provides attendees with countless opportunities to network and learn about new laser technology in various fields and review the latest developments in laser research.

Here are the top five things to see and do at ICALEO 2016:

1. Plenary Sessions

The opening plenary session will spotlight laser applications beyond the everyday. Join us during this session as we visit Mars, self-driving cars, and revisit LIGO. The closing plenary session will bring you new ideas and processes to expand your horizons. It will feature presentations which cover surprising new developments in applications – from iPhones® to planes.

2. The 18th Annual Student Paper Award

Now in its 18th year, the ICALEO Student Paper Award provides a special opportunity for students working within laser development and research. Each year, students submit papers that are then reviewed by designated ICALEO conference chairs. Award winners of the 18th annual Student Paper Award will be announced during the ICALEO’s Closing Plenary Session. There will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner.

3. Laser Industry Vendor Reception & Tabletop Display

This ICALEO event enables attendees to meet other professionals who are making waves within the laser industry. Those attending the Laser Industry Vendor Reception are able to network with others while sharing current or future product ideas. The tabletop displays also allow attendees to participate in engaging conversations and learn about the latest products from some of the biggest names in the industry.

4. The LIA Awards Luncheon

The annual Laser Institute of America Awards Luncheon consists of a conversation-filled meal with colleagues, an awards presentation, and a speaker address. The Arthur L. Schawlow Award recognizes the career-long dedication of an individual and is held with high regard. It is presented each year to one hard-working and motivated individual who has majorly and positively impacted laser technology for scientists and consumers within a given field. Read more about the 2016 Schawlow Award Winner, Dr. Yongfeng Lu, here.

5. Networking Opportunities

Within the technology industry, networking has become one of the most appreciated keys to success. This year’s conference will offer countless opportunities for both aspiring and professional scientists and engineers to network with academics and R&D industrialists from all over the world.

Each year, ICALEO strives to provide both the latest and most recent information in laser technology to its attendees. Whether it be through a meet-and-greet, poster presentation, award ceremony, tabletop display, or networking social event, ICALEO 2016 offers countless educational and socially interactive opportunities for aspiring and veteran professionals alike.

For more information, and to register for ICALEO 2016, please click here.

Are you a current student and want to register for this event? For more information on discounted student memberships, please click here.